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Tuesday, February 12. 2013

You might have noticed that I haven't been blogging much lately. The truth is, I haven't been feeling very well. It's not that I'm getting any worse; it's that I seemed to have stopped getting better. I did real well (according to the doc) after my tumor operation, but it seems like sometime during November I kind of leveled off at about 75% better. I still have bouts of weakness and sleepiness and a physical feeling bordering on nausea. And I just haven't found it in me to write about anything. As long-time readers know, even my most dire and scariest of articles, like the ones on the domestic spy drones, still have an upbeat, chipper edge to them, just because that's who I am.

They already did one standard blood test but the doc wants to do a more elaborate test, which I just can't afford right now. I'm already into the hospital for almost 300 clams and don't want to sink any deeper, nor am I sure they'd let me. I still have my operation's donation link here, but I wouldn't hope for any help on this. It's one thing to pitch in when someone's got a pending operation, whereas everybody's got medical bills. But I felt obligated to toss it out there.

By the way, there was one ironic note that I forgot to mention in my post-op posts. Within a few weeks of my operation, both my mother and a close friend up in Miami Beach had operations that involved surgery.

Both of them got infections after the operation. Thankfully, modern medicine came to their rescue.

Me, getting my operation in dirty, filthy, don't-drink-the-water Mexico, sailed through without a hitch.

That says something -- but I'm honestly not sure what.

If I do end up just kind of fading away, I'd like to say what an honor it's been to blog here these past five years. In twenty years of being online, I have never seen a site like it. Where else will you see video essays like my posts on horses, baseball and the amazing Jackie Evancho, only to next read an inside look at the higher education bubble, followed by a penetrating inquiry into the human psyche -- then end up with 'Chipmunk Of The Week'?

There's just no putting a price on something like that.

God bless you all.

Posted by Dr. Mercury in Hot News & Misc. Short Subjects at 10:30 | Comments (24) | Trackbacks (0)

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As a regular reader in Great Britain,(Whitby,Yorkshire)I do hope that your recovery perks up. You write a great blog and publish some great articles.
Regards
Ian

#1 Ian on 2013-02-12 10:42 (Reply)

Sheesh, Dr. Merc. Thanks for the nice thoughts about our site, but are you dying?

I've got a post for ya.

#2 BD on 2013-02-12 10:54 (Reply)

What's unsettling about that question is that for the first time in my life, "I don't know" is the proper answer. It's worrisome, to say the least.

#2.1 Dr. Mercury (Link) on 2013-02-12 13:39 (Reply)

Best wishes Doc, and prayers for your recovery.

Try to maintain a positive outlook. They say it helps.

#3 feeblemind on 2013-02-12 11:02 (Reply)

One more thing Doc, to my way of thinking, if you can feed yourself and wipe your own ass it can't be all bad. What some people would give to be able to do those simple tasks...

And....it's not over til it's over.

#3.1 feeblemind on 2013-02-12 17:55 (Reply)

Doc, get better, dammit! I just threw a little something into the cookie jar to help out. Some of your posts (like the three you mention) are like nothing else I've ever seen on the web.

I still get a shiver down my spine when I read the last line of 'Who Killed JFK, Jr.?' You mentioned somewhere that others have called that your best piece, and I'd agree. That kind of insight cannot be measured in mere words.

And I'm still trying to decide if 'Bachelors Secrets' was parody or not!

#4 BobZ on 2013-02-12 11:08 (Reply)

"And I'm still trying to decide if 'Bachelors Secrets' was parody or not!"

Me, too! I do, however, candidly admit that most of the items came from my, uh, personal experience. Especially the kitchen stuff. At the moment, 3 of my allotted 4 coffee mugs are in the sink, gathering mold as I eke out another week with the 4th cup. Should be good for at least another week before the loathsome task must be addressed.

I think that answered your question. :)

#4.1 Dr. Mercury (Link) on 2013-02-12 13:45 (Reply)

I agree with BobZ. I never really understood why people liked baseball until I read your post. Now I'm looking forward to spring training! And while I agree that "JFK Jr." was a great piece, I'd put "Do These Genes Make Me Look Fat?" at the top of the list. That was one of the greatest exposes I've ever read, and I've forwarded it to many people. You don't see a lot of bloggers spending three years on a single post.

Also, being Jewish, I adored your "Cultural Pop Quiz #107". I've now heard two movie actors adding that 'k' sound to the end of a word, looked them both up, and both were Jewish! I also heartily agree with what you said about "The Nanny". What a courageous show that was, not to mention funny as hell.

Are you into holistics? Send me an email if you want further info.

Love you much,
Kath

#5 Katharine on 2013-02-12 11:25 (Reply)

Have emailed you, always looking for more info.

#5.1 Dr. Mercury (Link) on 2013-02-12 13:46 (Reply)

As long as we're throwing accolades around, I'd like to mention all the great Computin' Tips. Remember that post a few months ago on getting rid of background programs after the computer's started? My router installs a background program that's not accessible via System Config. I hesitated removing it, but figured it was just a test. Result? My router works perfectly and getting rid of the program increased my download speeds by about 20%!

I'd also admit that True Image has saved my lowly ass more than once. :-)

I tossed a small donation your way, doc, let's get you better!

#6 Robo Rob on 2013-02-12 11:34 (Reply)

That's very interesting about the router, but not unexpected. And yes, True Image is truly a system-saver. I use it about once a month, usually accompanied by the out-loud exclamation, "Thank God for True Image!" I take it you've got your system configured so you don't lose a thing? More info here.

#6.1 Dr. Mercury (Link) on 2013-02-12 13:50 (Reply)

If "Doc's Best Posts" is the subject, I'd have to include Life on Other Worlds: By the Numbers on the list. Coming from the School of Carl Sagan, I assumed there was a huge chance for life on other worlds until I read that piece. A wonderful theory, totally dismanted step by step by a master at his craft.

So, what are the odds of God appearing?

Given the context, what a great question that was.

#7 KJW on 2013-02-12 12:52 (Reply)

Doc, please get better. And get that blood test! The hospital will manage.

#8 Shutterbug on 2013-02-12 17:06 (Reply)

An archive search produced Doc's Best.

http://maggiesfarm.anotherdotcom.com/archives/14190-Docs-Best.html

I immediately opened three, for starters, but had to read the post about Michael Crichton.

http://maggiesfarm.anotherdotcom.com/archives/12655-The-Michael-Crichton-Challenge.html

I agree with Doc. I just cleaned out my bookshelves. Many authors did not make the cut, but Michael Crichton did - hard backs and paper backs. I made a list of paperbacks to be substituted with hardbacks from Goodwill.

On to the other posts in the archives.

#9 Shutterbug on 2013-02-12 17:27 (Reply)

I did the exact same 'cleaning house' about a year ago, and Crichton was one of the few who stayed in its entirety. Most others got piecemealed, just keeping the 'best of'.

I think I mentioned during my Xmas trip to CA that I reread Crichton's 'Turbulence' (formerly called 'Airframe') on the way out. Reading a novel about a horrific airliner disaster while on an airliner was a case of fighting fire with fire. :)

#9.1 Dr. Mercury (Link) on 2013-02-12 17:47 (Reply)

I thought about saying something snarky and funny, but changed my mind.

Instead - what can I do to help?

#10 Tom Francis on 2013-02-12 17:28 (Reply)

Keep being your usual snarky, funny, anarchistic (better than anachronistic!) self. There's really nothing I can do for a few months until I get some money. I have a big job this week, but I've got car insurance and other things gobbling it up.

I've always had the same feeling about car insurance that I do about fire extinguishers: you buy the best one you can, then hope you throw it away years down the road, unused.

#10.1 Dr. Mercury (Link) on 2013-02-12 17:43 (Reply)

Here's something to make you feel better for one minute, forty-one seconds.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNS6BKExyh8&feature=player_embedded

#11 John the River (Link) on 2013-02-12 18:26 (Reply)

It did! What a doll, and thanks. Made my evening.

#12 Dr. Mercury (Link) on 2013-02-12 18:52 (Reply)

Doc,

Don't worry, everybody needs to do some deep cycling of the batteries now and then. Just to be on the safe side I made a little donation toward the blood test. Git 'r done!

#13 Nashville Beat on 2013-02-14 00:00 (Reply)

Thanks, bud -- I'm tryin'!

#13.1 Dr. Mercury (Link) on 2013-02-14 07:41 (Reply)

Que mejore. It would be nice to confirm you're not suffering from an infection. Otherwise, in my experience people who have surgery often plateau, especially when they're not (ahem) spring chickens any more, and have a hard time believing how long it takes to get their full strength back. There's a kind of outrage over the betrayal by the body. Be patient, get the sleep you need, eat right, and try to remain hopeful about your full recovery despite the gloomy feelings that come with not feeling well physically. It's easy to be a little depressed when we have to face our mortal condition.

#14 Texan99 (Link) on 2013-02-15 00:31 (Reply)

Good words, as always. Thanks.

#14.1 Dr. Mercury (Link) on 2013-02-15 06:35 (Reply)

Dr. M, I am reminded of Norman Cousins, the longtime editor of the Saturday Review. He was diagnosed with a debilitating illness, which he surmounted. He wrote several books on dealing with his illness. He found out that laughter, often spurred by watching Marx Brothers movies, helped.

Laughter and medical treatment.

I have used your posts on computer stuff on more than one occasion, and have appreciated your responses to my questions.

#15 Gringo on 2013-02-15 23:23 (Reply)

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Tuesday, February 12. 2013

Blogging update